More than 700 pints of blood needed at sixth annual Red, White & You blood drive

WICHITA, Kan. (June 27, 2013) — During the summer months of June, July and August, blood donations often decline when schools are out of session and regular donors are on vacation. Community members can help the American Red Cross maintain a sufficient blood supply during the sixth annual Red, White & You community blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4-6 at the Sedgwick County Zoo’s Cargill Learning Center, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.

The Red Cross hopes to collect more than 700 pints of blood at this year’s event, which means a milestone could be reached: the 4,000th pint of blood collected in six years of the event’s existence.

The following items will be available to all presenting donors during the three-day event, while supplies last.

Will receive free zoo admission and as well as discounted zoo admission of $5.25 per person for family members of presenting donors (limit 10 people)

Will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $3,000 American Express gift cards

“Red, White & You is one of our largest blood drives of the year thanks to the support of the Wichita community,” said Terri Dunaway, Central Plains Region CEO. “Each day, the Red Cross needs to collect 17,000 blood donations to support patients across the country, and these donors help ensure we meet that need.”

Thank you to local sponsors Bombardier Learjet, Cargill, Chick-Fil-A west location, Clear Channel Radio Wichita, Delta Dental, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Hotel at Old Town, Pizza Hut and the Sedgwick County Zoo.

Blood is a perishable product. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must be replenished constantly.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossBloodCP.